Question:medium

The dielectric constant of a medium is 8 and its relative permeability is 200. If an electromagnetic wave of frequency 100 MHz travels in this medium, then its wavelength is

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Remember \( n = \sqrt{\mu_r \epsilon_r} \). The velocity decreases by a factor of \( n \), so the wavelength also decreases by a factor of \( n \) compared to vacuum. \( \lambda_{\text{med}} = \frac{\lambda_{\text{vac}}}{n} \).
Updated On: Mar 30, 2026
  • 15 m
  • 15 cm
  • 7.5 m
  • 7.5 cm
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The speed of an electromagnetic wave in a medium is given by \( v = \frac{c}{\sqrt{\mu_r \epsilon_r}} \), where \( c \) is the speed of light in a vacuum. Once \( v \) is found, the wavelength \( \lambda \) can be calculated using \( v = f\lambda \).
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Refractive index \( n = \sqrt{\mu_r \epsilon_r} \) 2. Velocity in medium \( v = \frac{3 \times 10^8}{n} \) 3. Wavelength \( \lambda = \frac{v}{f} \)
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Given: Relative Permeability \( \mu_r = 200 \) Dielectric Constant \( \epsilon_r = 8 \) Frequency \( f = 100 \, \text{MHz} = 100 \times 10^6 \, \text{Hz} = 10^8 \, \text{Hz} \) Calculate refractive index \( n \): \[ n = \sqrt{\mu_r \epsilon_r} = \sqrt{200 \times 8} = \sqrt{1600} = 40 \] Calculate velocity \( v \): \[ v = \frac{3 \times 10^8}{40} = 0.75 \times 10^7 \, \text{m/s} \] Calculate wavelength \( \lambda \): \[ \lambda = \frac{v}{f} = \frac{0.75 \times 10^7}{10^8} = 0.75 \times 10^{-1} \, \text{m} \] \[ \lambda = 0.075 \, \text{m} = 7.5 \, \text{cm} \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The wavelength is 7.5 cm.
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